Abstract: An identification instrument such as a pocket-sized card includes both human-recognizable an machine-readable indicia. The human-recognizable material may be any combination of photographs, graphical or textual information, with the machine-readable section encoding any or all of the human-recognizable areas in their entirety. When the card is presented for verification, the machine-readable section is scanned, decompressed and/or deciphered and compared to the database used to generate the human-recognizable section or sections. Only with a substantial matching of the information may the card and its user be authenticated. Preferably, a Symbol Technologies compliant two-dimensional barcode is used as the machine-readable encoding format. Multiple levels of encryption and decryption are also described in conjunction with enhanced security.

Abstract: A credit/service card with expanded surface area comprises a first card member, a second card member and a hinge connecting the two card members. The credit/service card also comprises a fastener for holding the first and second card member together when the credit/service card is in the closed position.

Abstract: A transfer film having a magnetic layer consists essentially of a substrate film, a parting layer and a transfer layer which is detachable from the said parting layer and is formed by one or more magnetic layers, and, on that side of the magnetic layer which faces the substrate film, after detachment of the substrate film, the surface-forming layer consists of a top layer which contains inorganic pigments in a cross-linked polymer matrix and has a thickness of from 0.2 to 5.0 .mu.m and a surface resistance of from 10.sup.-1 to 10.sup.-8 ohm/cm.

Abstract: A printed sheet product comprises a thin core having a pair of opposing major planar sides. A plurality of sets of variable data fields are printed on at least a first side of the core. One or more of the variable data fields of each set may be printed on the opposing second side of the core. Each set of printed variable data fields includes at least a first data field printed with a numeric code, the numeric code of each variable data field set being different from that of each other set printed on the first side of the core. Each set of variable data fields further includes a second data field printed with either a name and mailing address uniquely associated with a numeric code or with another representation of the numeric code. Where printed, the name and address of each variable data set differs from that of each other variable data set printed on the first side of the core.

Abstract: The article includes a substrate which is composed of a single ply that contains both a structure for generating a viewable optically variable effect, such as a hologram, and carries an indicia receptive coating. The indicia receptive coating covers the single ply such that at least part of the optically variable effect is visible. The indicia receptive coating may receive printed indicia such as security indicia, alphanumeric character shapes, symbols, and bar codes. The article with the single ply that contains viewable optically variable effect and also carries the printed indicia, is more tamper resistant than previous identification documents. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to alter the printed indicia without also altering the structure that generates the viewable optically variable effect or vice versa.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is made by applying a coating mixture having magnetic particles dispersed in a binder and drying the coating mixture so as to produce a coding layer containing tamper-proof identifier coding information comprising designed patterns, letters, numerals and bar-code type patterns. Another magnetic layer for recording regular magnetic data can be provided above or below the coding layer. The coding information can neither be read or altered by ordinary magnetic reader. The magnetic recording medium is therefore useful for such applications as shopping cards, pre-paid cards, retail store cards; financial cards including credit cards, insurance cards; travelling cards including transit passes, tickets; and identification cards including passports, birth certificates and other personal identification cards.

Abstract: Polymeric blends suitable for making plastic sheets and laminas which exhibit improved flexural durability while retaining stiffness and impact strength include a core made from a blend comprising polyvinyl chloride resin, a vinyl chloride-vinyl ester copolymer, one or more acrylic polymers or copolymers, a chlorinated polyolefin, a solid tin stabilizer, and one or more ester waxes. The lamina, which is suitable for use as an extended life credit card, is prepared by forming a polymeric blend of a core material into a base layer sheet material which is subsequently treated to reduce surface tension and improve ink adhesion thereto, then printed with desired indicia, and finally provided with a contact-transparent protective overlay which is laminated thereto.

Abstract: This invention provides a magnetic recording medium wherein visible patterns can be written, in which a heat sensitive layer is formed on a magnetic recording layer and a metallic thin layer is formed on said heat sensitive layer. The metallic thin layer of said magnetic recording medium can by roughed by using a material containing minute particles to form a roughed heat sensitive layer on the magnetic recording layer and then depositing the metallic thin layer on said heat sensitive layer. In using said magnetic recording medium, information corresponding to at least a part of the information recorded in the magnetic recording layer can be written as visible patterns.

Abstract: A label for a storage disk for a data processing system. The label is attached to the disk so that user may read the contents listed on the disk without having to eject the disk from the disk drive. The label is of a rigid construction to allow easily handling of the disk. The extension of the label past the end of the disk allows a place for anti-theft devices or restraining devices to be attached to the disk.

Abstract: A financial transaction card adapted for individual use in reading information stored externally to the card, having machine readable information contained thereon identifying the user and the issuing institution for transacting business at locations remote from the issuing institution, includes:a. a rigid substantially rectangular base comprising a substantially transparent material and having a top surface and a bottom surface;b. machine readable information carried on the base for identifying the user and the issuing institution; andc. a magnifying lens produced by formation of fresnel contour lines on the top surface of the base and in non-interfering relationship with the machine readable information.

Abstract: A heat sensitive system comprises a document having a localized, non-pressure sensitive, coating of chromogenic composition activated at moderate temperatures. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object produces a colored image by frictional heat. The chromogenic composition contains a chromogenic compound and a color developer which are non-pressure sensitive and non-reactive at room temperature. The chromogenic composition can be an intimate mixture of the chromogenic compound and the developer or alternatively separate layers of each of the components.

Abstract: A card carrier for transport of a phone card, credit card, debit card, etc. is of paper or plastic card stock with a multi-colored design ion deposition printed on one face and a PIN and control number on the other. During production the card is part of a blow on label, attached to the rest of the label by repositional adhesive, and the blow on label is blown onto a first opaque paper carrier web inner surface, permanent adhesive affixing the label to that surface. The outer surface of the first carrier web is imaged just like the front of the card, simulating the card. A second opaque paper ply is affixed by permanent adhesive to the first ply overlying the second face of the card, but with a cutout aligned with the control number so that the control number may be viewed from exterior of the carrier. To open the carrier perforations are provided inside a permanent adhesive strip along one edge of the card, providing a tamperproof feature, i.e.

Abstract: A plastic card provided with a magnetic stripe, which is very difficult to forge or alter and, even tough subjected to forgery or alteration, enables the forgery or alteration to be easily detected in appearance.The plastic card comprises a card substrate and a hologram-magnetic stripe comprising, provided on said card substrate in the following order, an adhesive layer, a first magnetic recording layer, a second magnetic recording layer, a metallic reflecting layer and a hologram forming layer. The first magnetic recording layer and the second magnetic recording layer are such that one of the magnetic recording layers has a coercive force at least twice as high as the other magnetic layer and a Curie point at least 100.degree. C. below the other magnetic layer and, when the magnetic recording layers are heated at a temperature in the range of from the lower Curie point to 30.degree. C. below the lower Curie point, they become substantially identical to each other in saturation writing current value.

Abstract: A credit card includes an integral magnifying lens positioned in the non-data area on the credit card for permitting magnification of the credit card transaction form at the point-of-sale. The placement of the lens assures that the machine readability of the magnetic encoding strip and the embossed indicia associated with the card is not impaired. The magnifying lens incorporates a fresnel-type contour lens mounted in a window provided in the credit card base.

Abstract: Non-continuous reflective holograms or diffraction gratings are provided in various forms for authenticating documents and things, and for decorative and product packaging applications. In one specific authentication application, such a hologram or diffraction grating is firmly attached to a surface that contains visual information desired to be protected from alteration. Examples of such information include written personal data and photograph on a passport, driver's license, identity card and the like. The reflective discontinuous hologram is formed in a pattern that both permits viewing the protected information through it and the viewing of an authenticating image or other light pattern reconstructed from it in reflection. In another specific authentication application, a non-transparent structure of two side-by-side non-continuous holograms or diffraction patterns, each reconstructing a separate image or other light pattern, increases the difficulty of counterfeiting the structure.

Abstract: An optically variable device for use on security documents to deter unauthorized reproduction is provided which contains a warning message that is not readily apparent to an observer but that reproduces as a visible warning message when copied. The device comprises a pattern of light reflecting surfaces which comprise a reflection diffraction grating having a plurality of grooves that vary in orientation and blaze angle. In an alternative embodiment, a machine-readable optically variable device is provided in which the pattern of specularly light-reflecting surfaces produces a machine-readable message in response to light impinging on the device.

Abstract: A tamper-proof and/or tamper-evident bag or envelope is provided for transporting of credit cards or debit cards which have raised identifying characters. The bag or envelope includes a tamper strip, a front panel, and a back panel drawing together at the lateral edges of the panels. In use the card is inserted into the bag or envelope with its characters disposed behind the tamper strip and covered by the tamper strip. The inside of the rear panel is then sealed to the outside of the front panel by an improved closure system which utilizes improved folding means and an adhesive strip. The tamper strip may be a thick panel such as a sheet of semi-rigid foam or thickened plastic material to prevent transfer of an impression of the raised characters through a mailing envelope and/or may transmit a warning impression in response to an attempted transfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high density high energy magnetic memory card. The card is provided throughout or part of at least one of its surfaces with a recording medium which contains magnetic particles having a coercitive field higher than 4000 Oe (320 kA/m), which has no overlying layer and which has a density of information higher than 5 kbits/cm.sup.2, an electric wear corresponding to an electric signal loss equal to or lower than 5% for 2000 passages, a mean arithmetic rugosity lower than 10 nm, an abrasivity lower than 600 .mu.m, and a streak resistance lower than 1.5 .mu.m. Application to portable files and access controls.

Abstract: A value document and an embossing foil for the production thereof comprise a security feature in the form of a combination of a magnetic layer and a security layer which has an optical-diffraction effect. The security layer structure that has the optical-diffraction effect is provided with a reflective metal layer. To prevent damage to the reflective metal layer by particles of the magnetic layer, the metal layer is made of suitably resistant metal and/or a barrier layer is provided between the metal layer and the magnetic layer.

Abstract: A personal information packet to be carried by a child or other person to provide identification and relevant information to authorities in the event of an emergency comprises a folded information card bearing personal information on the shielded inwardly folded side of the card sealed within a transparent plastic envelope to secure the card against outward view of the personal information and against unauthorized removal of the card without breaching the sealed integrity of the envelope. A notice is printed on the outward side of the card to alert authorities that personal information is contained within the packet and a broken line shows authorities where to cut open the packet without obliterating the information.

Abstract: The present invention is a card for displaying information and a method for making the same. The present invention includes printing the desired information in reverse onto a transparent piece of silicon coated vinyl. The vinyl is then fused to a plastic substrate sealing the printed ink between the vinyl and the plastic substrate and allowing the ink to leach into, and permanently mark, the plastic substrate.

Abstract: The self-sealing card assembly comprises an intermediate plastic substrate having upper and lower clear polyethylene layers and an intermediate polyurethane layer therebetween, permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the faces of the polyethylene layers, a release liner overlying approximately one-half of the upper adhesive and an ID card overlying the remaining half of the adhesive. The lower adhesive layer adheres the card assembly to a carrier sheet whereby the card assembly and carrier sheet may form a mailer. The recipient completes the information requested on the ID card, peels the upper three layers from the carrier sheet by separating the upper polyethylene layer from the polyurethane layer, removes the upper half of the release liner and folds the clear polyethylene layer onto the upper surface of the ID card to form the laminated card. To manufacture the assembly, the plastic substrate is passed through adhesive applicators and release liners are adhered to its opposite sides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic card which comprises a substrate of a thermoplastic resin and a magnetic recording layer provided on the whole surface of at least one side of the substrate, wherein necessary matters such as letters and figures can be formed in a given area by embossing treatment, and wherein the magnetic recording layer consists of a magnetic film which contains 70% by weight or more of magnetic powders having a coercive force of 300 Oe or higher and which has a tensile break elongation of 50% or more.

Abstract: A recording medium is provided with picture information in a tamper-resistant and high-resolution form. The picture information is broken down into a light/dark portion and a color portion. The light/dark portion needed for the visual impression is incorporated in the recording medium in a high-resolution form. The colored picture information is congruently superimposed on this portion so as to produce an integral ensemble. Protection from falsification is ensured by incorporating one of the portions of the picture information in the card structure in largely tamper-resistant fashion.

Abstract: A data-written medium in which the data is readable with a light source having a main wavelength of 600 to 700 nm, the medium comprising a substrate and an ink layer containing not more than 0.1 g/m.sup.2 of a chromatic color dyestuff having absorption substantially at 600 to 700 nm and at least one other color dyestuff as the remainder. The ink layer is formed on the substrate so as to have a form constituting the data. Also provided is a data-written medium in which the data is readable with light sources having a main wavelength of 600 to 1,500 nm, the medium comprising a substrate, a first ink layer containing not more than 0.1 g/m.sup.2 of a chromatic color dyestuff having substantial absorption at 600 to 700 nm and another dyestuff as the remainder, and a second ink layer containing a substance having substantial absorption in a near infrared region. Each of the two ink layers is formed so as to individually have a form constituting to two corresponding data.

Abstract: A hidden entry system comprises a document having a localized coating of a non-pressure sensitive heat activated autogenous chromogenic composition to provide a latent image which reveals hidden indicia when heated at moderate temperatures. The hidden entry system is especially useful for contests and promotional forms. Quickly striking the chromogenic composition with a fingernail or blunt object converts the latent image to a visible colored image by frictional heat. The chromogenic composition contains a chromogenic compound and a color developer which are non-pressure sensitive and non-reactive at room temperature. The latent image can be provided by an intimate mixture of the chromogenic compound and the developer or alternatively, one component can be printed on a separate layer or coating of the other component.

Abstract: A separable safety credit card which contains multiple account numbers and is mechanically detachable into two component parts whereby that part upon which is embossed the credit account numbers may be separately carried from the individual identification part thereof for purposes of safety and security so that if either component is lost or stolen the card may not be used by another in the making of unauthorized transactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester film having an antistatic highly adhesive layer and a process for producing the film, said layer comprising a copolymer (A) and a (co)polymer (B), said copolymer (A) being obtained by copolymerizing ##STR1## N-methylol acrylamide, and optionally an ethylenic compound having a carboxy group, and optionally a comonomer, and said (co)polymer (B) being obtained by copolymerizing ##STR2## and optionally a comonomer. The polyester film of the present invention is useful for magnetic cards and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic recording medium cassette which comprises a cassette case of storing a magnetic recording medium which comprises;(a) a support; and provided thereon, in sequence(b) at least one non-magnetic colored layer; and(c) at least one magnetic layer wherein the specific surface resistance of the magnetic layer is not more than 1.0.times.10.sup.10 .OMEGA./square.A magnetic recording medium according to this invention is improved the drop-out level and the running durability and a magnetic recording medium cassette can be discriminated whether it is a pirated edition or not.

Abstract: A hologram containing information recorded such a manner that it is difficult to read. A Lippmann hologram (10) contains photoelectrically readable information (13) recorded so as to be reconstructible only with a specific invisible wavelength (6) in the infrared or ultraviolet region. It is difficult to read the information recorded on the hologram unless information about the wavelength of diffracted light (14) for reconstruction is given. The hologram is also difficult to forge and hence suitable for security purposes.

Abstract: A credit/service card with expanded surface area comprises a first card member, a second card member and a hinge connecting the two card members. The credit/service card also comprises a fastener for holding the first and second card member together when the credit/service card is in the closed position.

Abstract: A security-printing device comprising: (i) a substrate; (ii) a toner image adhered to said substrate; and, (iii) a layer of an optically variable material adhered solely to said toner image, whereby said optically variable material is selected to provide a distinct visual appearance and is not readily reproducible or readily available in the general market-place.

Abstract: Credit cards intended to eliminate or at least greatly reduce misuse by unauthorized persons. The card bears in addition to the correct identification number a number of further digits or letters, so that a person obtaining such card in an unauthorized manner will not be able to identify the correct number. The rightful owner has only to remember which of the numbers or letters is not part of the correct identification code. A card may be provided with a number of identification codes, encircled by a variety of different geometrical shapes, thus the owner has only to remember the shape in order to identify his correct access code.

Abstract: An antifraud credit card assembly includes a card member having first and second faces and a magnetic stripe on the first face and bearing information that is presentable to a sensing machine by a person seeking to consummate a transaction. The credit card assembly further has a movable device for mechanically changing the information provided by the magnetic stripe for selectively presenting to the machine any of a plurality of messages including a single legitimate message that allows consummation of the transaction and a plurality of illegitimate messages that deny such consummation. In one example, the movable device is a slide member, and in another example, the movable device is a rotatable disc. The magnetic stripe may be removable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data carrier, in particular an identity card, paper of value or the like, having applied thereto a plane element (OVD) with optically variable effects which are dependent on the viewing angle. Within at least a predefined area of the OVD there is additional information provided between the OVD and the surface of the data carrier in the form of characters, patterns or the like which, subsequently incorporated into the OVD, overlays the optically variable effect of the OVD and is likewise visually recognizable. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a data carrier.

Abstract: A memory aiding device for aiding in remembering a predetermined personal identification number. A substrate has sequence representing integers predisposed on it in rows and columns for representing a personal identification number. Each respective sequence representing integer is printed at a respective column and row intersection. A user definable location is designated at an intersection of a row and a column and designates a set of sequence representing integers. A set of marks is recorded on a sheet member. Each mark indicates a respective numeral of the personal identification number represented by a corresponding sequence representing integer. When the recorded sheet member is disposed under the substrate at the user defined location, the personal identification number represented by the corresponding sequence representing integers is perceived by perceiving the marks.

Abstract: An article is disclosed for displaying a machine readable character having a predetermined location for receiving a manually marked character and an indicia which is not machine readable formed at the predetermined location. The indicia is formed in a guide pattern capable of being selectively traced manually with a machine recognizable marking material in a plurality of differing traced conformations over respectively differing portions of the guide pattern for selectively producing a corresponding plurality of differing machine readable characters. The guide pattern of the indicia may be arranged for selective formation of the traced conformations in the form of differing numerals or letters.

Abstract: The image receiving medium of the present invention is an image receiving medium to be used in combination with a heat transfer sheet, characterized in that the image receiving medium includes a laminate of at least one polyvinyl chloride resin sheet, and at least a layer of the image receiving medium superposed on the heat transfer sheet which receives the dye from the heat transfer sheet includes a polyvinyl chloride resin composition containing 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a plasticizer based on 100 parts by weight of the polyvinyl chloride resin. The image receiving medium of the present invention has specific features in that no image receiving layer is required to be provided separately, image formation of a picture and the like according to the heat transfer system can be effected sharply and quickly, and yet curling caused by heat transfer is not generated.

Abstract: An exerciser in accordance with the present invention includes a load apparatus for applying load to pedaling of a user, pulse data detecting apparatus for detecting pulse data of the user, a card for storing optically readable individual data such as age and physical strength of the user, optical reading means for optically reading the individual data stored in the data card, and control means for controlling the magnitude of load applied by the load apparatus based on the read individual data and the detected pulse data.

Abstract: This card type recording medium has plural types of inks which normally exhibit the same color visually but exhibit different optical characteristics under a predetermined condition provided in blocks in a desired pattern and, by breaking the blocks block by block in accordance with the used amount or other factor, is capable of recording information corresponding to the breakage state of the blocks. First information can be recorded by a pattern of arrangement of these plural types of inks and second information can be recorded in accordance with the breakage state of the blocks. The first information is a collation pattern which indicates that the card type recording medium is a genuine one. Since the plural types of inks exhibit the same color visually, it cannot be visually discerned which type of ink is used on which block, which makes it difficult to counterfeit the card by imitating this collation pattern.

Abstract: An emergency medical card includes a first location for displaying a reduced-sized medical data transparency with a detachable lens element for separation from the card to view the medical data contained on the transparency. In a first embodiment, the hinge member secures the periphery of a first card with the periphery of a reduced-size lens card, with the hinge permitting the lens card to be bent back adjacent to the first card so that its profile remains that of a typical credit card. In a second embodiment, the lens is secured by a perforation within the profile of the same card.

Abstract: A machine readable passport document contains an unbound data page mounted in the document in a secure and tamper-resistant manner. The data page is printed as a separate sheet and contains a photographic image, bearer identification data and machine readable data, all imprinted on a single paper surface. The data page is mounted within the document by means of a heat activatable adhesive and is covered by a transparent sheet.An improved method of assembling a passport document includes the use of a folder having a transparent sheet and a dry adhesive sheet. The data page is placed in the folder which is inserted into a bound passport booklet. The booklet is then heated and compressed to mount the data page in the document. Visa data pages are mounted in the same manner.

Abstract: A document is provided having a solvent sensitive and/or pressure sensitive ink printed thereon which reacts to the application of a solvent and/or pressure to form a visible stain or image. The ink includes a first composition of solvent soluble, water insoluble dye particles, a binder, and optionally, an opacifier. Alternatively, the first composition may be combined with a second composition which includes an encapsulated solvent and optionally a stilting material. The first and second compositions may be printed on the document in separate steps or printed together as a self-contained composition. The ink may be printed on the entire surface of the document or only on selected areas thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waterproof recording material having ground patterns characterized in that the ground patterns are imparted to the surface of a film of a resin composition comprising a thermoplastic synthetic resin and a filler. According to this invention, it is possible to provide a fine-looking recording material which, besides excellent waterproofness and recording property, may have various stages of surface properties and visual effects imparted by means of the ground patterns. The waterproof recording material having ground patterns of the present invention is suitable as a material of valuable securities and the like, facilitating true/false discrimination and preventing illegal use or abuse thereof by altering, falsification et cetera.

Abstract: A sheet containing the reverse image of printed material on its back side is appropriately positioned to match the blank portions of a conventional check form, so that such material can be transferred to the check by pressing on the front side of the sheet to deposit the printed material on the check. Depending on the specific selection of printed material used, the resulting check may contain all the information required to make a negotiable instrument except, for example, the date and signature, which are left for the maker to insert. The sheet containing such preprinted material may be combined with a statement of account received periodically by a customer from a business entity.

Abstract: A printed image, suitable for creating an illusion of depth in the perception of a viewer of the image, comprises a multilayer transparent laminate structure having a back surface and a viewing front surface. A number of the layers in the laminate structure each has a portion of the perceived image printed upon at least one surface of the layer front and back surfaces. That portion of the image perceived to be most distant from the viewer is located upon a printed layer which is furthest from the viewing front surface of the laminate structure, and that portion of the image percieved to be most proximate to the viewer is located upon a printed layer closest to the viewing front surface. The portions of the image perceived to be at varying distances therebetween are located upon intermediate printed layers in a sequence which corresponds to the perceived varying distances of the intermediate image portions. At least a majority of the image portions are dissimilar parts of the perceived image.

Abstract: A promotional device for advertising and for causing a consumer to place a telephone call to an advertiser includes a plastic card with a tone generator for generating tones for dialing a telephone, the tone generator being affixed to and preferably encapsulated within the card. The tone generator has its own battery power source and a ceramic speaker. A pressure sensitive switch actuable by finger pressure controls the tone generation and the card proximate the switch is deformable to permit switch actuation.

Abstract: A financial transaction card 2, such as a check guarantee and/or credit card includes a tagging element 4 of a high permeability, low coercivity magnetic material, such as Ni Fe. The tagging element 4 is arranged in magnetic communication with a magnetic stripe 10 of relatively hard magnetic material or in a region of the card 2 used to record identifying data, such as user details, so as to be deactivated when the user details are recorded on the card 2. The provision of the element 4 enables card blanks to be monitored by an electronic article surveillance system during manufacture or prior to issue.

Abstract: Non-continuous reflective holograms or diffraction gratings are provided in various forms for authenticating documents and things, and for decorative and product packaging applications. In one specific authentication application, such a hologram or diffraction grating is firmly attached to a surface that contains visual information desired to be protected from alteration. Examples of such information include written personal data and photograph on a passport, driver's license, identity card and the like. The reflective discontinuous hologram is formed in a pattern that both permits viewing the protected information through it and the viewing of an authenticating image or other light pattern reconstructed from it in reflection. In another specific authentication application, a non-transparent structure of two side-by-side non-continuous holograms or diffraction patterns, each reconstructing a separate image or other light pattern, increases the difficulty of counterfeiting the structure.

Abstract: A credit card system for providing verification of authority of a credit card bearer to use the credit card for a credit transaction. Initial authorization of card use is given to the authorized user upon selection by the user of one of a set of supplemental characters appearing on the card as the authorized user's private identifier. Presentation of the card at a point of sale initiates a check of this private identifier against a supplemental character identified by the presenter of the card as his/her private identifier.